Ben Stokes pleads not guilty to affray charge

England cricketer Ben Stokes has pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray in connection with an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

The 26-year-old - who missed the 4-0 Ashes defeat to Australia after being suspended by England - appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for the first time since being charged following an alleged fight in the Clifton Triangle area of the city on 25 September.

It is alleged that a 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket during the incident, which happened several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies at Bristol's Brightside Ground.

"Any decision to include him in upcoming matches will be made by Head Coach Trevor Bayliss and the England management team. He is not currently being considered for the ongoing International T20 Tri-Series.

"ECB fully respects his right to defend himself in court and any obligations he has within the legal process will always take precedence over England commitments."

Stokes is also due to play in the Indian Premier League when it begins in April after being sold for £1.4m to the Rajasthan Royals.